By Kunle Sanni
French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Nigeria amid escalating security challenges, particularly the persistent terrorist threat in the northern region.
In a message shared on his official X account on Sunday, Macron revealed that he held discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
During the call, he expressed France’s solidarity with Nigeria as the country confronts multiple security concerns affecting civilians and regional stability.
Macron stated that, at President Tinubu’s request, France will deepen its partnership with Nigerian authorities and increase assistance to communities impacted by violence.
He also urged international partners to strengthen their involvement, stressing that “no one can remain a spectator” in the fight against insecurity.
The renewed cooperation signals France’s intention to play a more active role in stabilizing West Africa, where insurgency and extremist activities continue to threaten peace and development.
A group of military personnel in Benin on Sunday announced that they had ousted President Patrice Talon, who is due to step down next April after 10 years in power.
Soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), said on state television that they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
However, the Benin presidency dismissed the soldiers’ claim, describing the group as a small faction with access only to the television station. It said loyal security forces were restoring order and that the situation in Cotonou and across the country remained secure. It also reaffirmed that President Talon, who has led the nation for a decade and is due to step down in April, was unharmed.
